South Africa: No Wedding for Zuma - Presidency

President Jacob Zuma arrived with Ms Bongi Ngema at his home in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal.

By Reporter

Johannesburg — There is no truth in Sunday newspaper reports that another wedding for President Jacob Zuma is a possibility, the presidency said on Sunday.

"The presidency has noted media speculation about an alleged wedding that is on the cards for President Jacob Zuma, in today's [Sunday's] papers," it said in a statement.

"There is no truth in the rumours that are in the Sunday papers today.

The president is not planning to wed."

The presidency was responding to a report in the Sunday Times that Zuma was courted by businesswoman Nomthandazo Mathaba-Mthembu at his residence in Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal during the annual Zulu traditional dance ceremony on Tuesday.

According to the report Mathaba-Mthembu arranged a 15-car convoy to travel to Zuma's residence under the pretext of delivering gifts but once they arrived some of the women chanted customary courtship songs.

They were not allowed to enter the premises, according to Sunday Times.

When approached by the newspaper, Mathaba-Mthembu refused to comment on the nature of her relationship with Zuma.

Meanwhile, the Sunday World reported that the delegation was allowed to enter the celebration after five hours of waiting outside.

The newspaper reported that Mathaba-Mthembu was a special guest who was welcomed by Zuma himself but that her presence upset Zuma's four wives who accused her of "pushing a formal relationship" with the president.

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